Mayor leads Sto. Niño festivities

The City of Manila started yesterday a three-day festival honoring the Sto. Niño. Manila City Mayor Lito Atienza and his wife, Eveline, led the celebration as Hermano Mayor and Hermana Mayor, respectively.

The Child Jesus will be particularly honored in Tondo and Pandacan where thousands of devotees are expected. The Infant Jesus has millions of devotees throughout the country who traditionally offer prayers and sacrifices to his image for certain special favors and graces.

In keeping with the over 400-year tradition, the Tondo festivities dubbed "Kasiyahan sa Sto. Niño" kicked off last night with several dance numbers performed by the internationally-acclaimed Bayanihan Dance Troupe.

Incidentally, the mayor and his wife belonged to this same group where they met as young dancers before getting married.

Today, an Ati-atihan parade participated in by youth groups competing for the best presentation begins at eight in the morning. --